I have been thinking about why so many people are different online than they are offline. They do things on Twitter, that they simply would not do in the offline world. So, you are at a cocktail party, you overhear some people talking about the need to sell more products, and that business is tough… Please tell me that you would not head straight over to them, hand them your business card, and tell them to visit your website, where you have an amazing eBook for $20 that will solve all their problems.
You would not do that in real life, so why do so many people do exactly that on Twitter? Why, when they discover a conversation where they can help, immediately send over a message telling that person that they have the solution. Its on their website and it only costs $not much…
Now, imagine that you are at the same cocktail party, but this time, you simply get up on the table, and start shouting to everyone that you are a top business adviser and that you can help all there gain more business. You may shout as much as you like, but I doubt anyone will be listening, and you will probably be asked to leave.
So again, why do people do exactly that on Twitter. They turn up and simply start shouting about what they do to everyone an anyone. Well you know what.. No one is listening….How do you feel when someone adopts this type of approach… Exactly, you run a mile… So why do you then do it…
Back to the party… As you walk in, someone says a simple Hello… You reply.. thanks.. and offer them a free review of their website as a thank you for simply saying hello…What a load of tosh..Please assure me that you would not do that…
So, why do that on Twitter? Why send them an auto direct message thanking them for following you and telling them that as a thank you you are offering them a discount on your services… You at this stage have no idea who or what they are, have no idea as to their needs, issues, and certainly have not developed any form of relationship with them.
So.. come on folks, in my opinion there is no difference between how you act in the offline world and the online world. Get to know people, build trust, get to know about them, and then if appropriate mention that you have some stuff on your site that could possibly help them. Surely thats the right way to do things?
Agree / disagree…. I would love to hear your thoughts and please feel free to comment below..


